Snus is a smoke-free product from Scandinavia that is placed under the upper lip when used. It is often touted as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes because it contains fewer toxins and is not burned. But can you actually smoke snus? We want to get to the bottom of that question and explain how to use snus correctly.
Can you smoke snus?
If you compare the ingredients of cigarettes and snus, you’ll notice some similarities. Just like cigarettes, snus is made from dried tobacco that is then ground and packaged either loose or in small pouches. Snus also contains salt, water, and various flavorings to give each product its distinctive taste. Depending on how it’s processed, snus can differ in moisture content: you can get it as original, white, white dry, or all white.
In theory, you can smoke snus. However, it is by no means recommended. As noted above, snus is made with water and is slightly moist. Burning moist tobacco produces a harsh taste that can severely irritate your airways and mouth. Additionally, the various flavor compounds can develop unpleasant tastes when ignited. If you want to roll your own cigarettes, you should buy roll-your-own tobacco designed for that purpose instead of smoking snus.
How should snus actually be consumed?
Snus is a smoke-free product and was created solely for that use. To apply snus, simply take a pouch from the can and place it sideways under your upper lip. For loose snus, portion it first with your fingertips.
You do not need to chew snus like chewing tobacco; its ingredients are absorbed through the mucous membrane into your bloodstream. How long you keep the snus under your lip is up to personal preference. After some time, the pouch will lose flavor and effect.
On your first use, choose a product with mild nicotine strength, as your body needs time to adjust to nicotine’s effects.
What advantages does snus offer over classic smoking?
Since snus is not burned, it produces fewer toxins than cigarettes. Cigarette smoke contains harmful carbon monoxide, chromium, benzene, lead, and tar. These substances can deposit in your airways and clog blood vessels, and many are highly carcinogenic.
Snus contains fewer toxic substances but does contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Snus is an excellent alternative to cigarettes and can also be used for smoking cessation. Many smokers find a cold turkey quit attempt unsuccessful and accompanied by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Because snus comes in varying nicotine levels, you can gradually reduce nicotine strength.
Additionally, snus can be used in many places where smoking is prohibited. It produces no foul-smelling smoke and does not bother those around you. As a pre-packaged product, snus is ready to use immediately and can be taken anywhere.
Advantages of snus at a glance:
- Contains fewer toxins than cigarettes
- Does not need to be burned
- Produces no smoke
- Less taxing on your lungs
- Available in different nicotine strengths
- Offered in many flavors
Snus is a smoke-free tobacco product—and it should stay that way!
In theory, you can smoke snus because it contains ground tobacco. However, it is a smoke-free product that should be used as such. The flavorings and moisture content make smoking snus unpleasant and highly irritating to your airways.
It’s better to follow instructions and place snus sideways under the upper lip without lighting or chewing it. Snus is also a great alternative to cigarettes because it produces no smoke and contains fewer toxins than cigarettes.
